Save A quick, flavorful pasta dish made with minimal ingredients for maximum taste and minimal effort.
This pasta became my go-to weeknight meal when I needed something satisfying fast. It surprised me how such simple ingredients could create so much flavor.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 200 g dried spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Sauce: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic finely sliced, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 100 g cherry tomatoes halved, 1/2 tsp salt, Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Finishing: 20 g grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving), Handful fresh basil leaves torn (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the sauce:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add tomatoes:
- Add the cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Toss pasta with sauce:
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Save This is a dish my family requests when time is short, and the aroma of garlic brings everyone to the table before it's even done!
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, colander, chefs knife, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (Parmesan cheese)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 430, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 14 g
Save With just five main ingredients and one skillet, this pasta proves delicious doesn't have to be complicated. Enjoy each bite hot and fresh!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve perfectly cooked pasta?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente following package instructions. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan while maintaining flavor.
- → What is the role of pasta water in the sauce?
Pasta water, rich in starch, helps bind the sauce to the noodles and creates a silky, cohesive texture.
- → How can I add extra greens to this dish?
Stir in baby spinach or arugula at the end of cooking for added freshness and nutrients without overpowering the flavors.
- → What type of cheese works best for finishing?
Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty depth and melts smoothly into the warm pasta for a rich finish.
- → Is red pepper flakes mandatory?
No, red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your preference for heat.